System and method for applying a reflectance modifying agent electrostatically to improve the visual attractiveness of human skin

ABSTRACT

A computer-controlled system determines attributes of a frexel, an area of human skin, and applies an electrostatically charged modifying agent (RMA) at the pixel level, to make the skin appear more attractive. The system scans the frexel, identifies unattractive attributes, charges the RMA with an electrostatic charger, and applies the RMA, typically with an inkjet printer. The identified attributes relate to reflectance and may refer to features such as irregular-looking light and dark spots, age-spots, scars, and bruises. Identified attributes may also relate to the surface topology of the skin, for more precisely enhancing surface irregularities. Feature mapping may be used, for example to make cheeks appear pinker and cheekbones more prominent. The charged RMA can be applied in agreement with identified patterns, such as adding red to a red frexel, or in opposition, such as adding green or blue to a red frexel, according to idealized models of attractiveness.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/889,295 filed Feb. 12, 2007 by the present inventors for “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLYING A REFLECTANCE MODIFYING AGENT ELECTROSTATICALLY TO IMPROVE THE VISUAL ATTRACTIVENESS OF HUMAN SKIN” and claims the filing date of that Provisional application.

This patent application incorporates by reference the specification, drawings, and claims of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/503,806 filed Aug. 14, 2006 by the present inventors for “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLYING A REFLECTANCE MODIFYING AGENT TO IMPROVE THE VISUAL ATTRACTIVENESS OF HUMAN SKIN.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The current invention relates to automated computer-controlled methods to selectively and precisely apply one or more reflectance modifying agent, such as a dye or pigment, to human skin to improve its visual attractiveness and to electrostatic chargers for charging substances such as cosmetic products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior Cosmetic Techniques and Their Disadvantages

Prior art techniques for modifying the appearance of skin include natural tanning, artificial tanning, and the deliberate application of cosmetics. Each of these prior art techniques has limitations.

Typically, the applications of cosmetic substances to skin are largely manual, for example through the use of brushes, application tubes, pencils, pads, and fingers. The application methods make prior art cosmetics imprecise, labor intensive, expensive, and sometimes harmful, when compared to the computerized techniques of the present invention.

Most prior art cosmetic approaches are based on the application of opaque substances. As explained in the cross-referenced application U.S. Ser. No. 11/503,806, there is a need for the precise computer-controlled application of reflectance modifying agents (RMAs), such as transparent dyes, to provide a more effective modification of appearance. In this specification, the terms “reflectance modifying agent” or “RMA” refer to any compound useful for altering the reflectance of another material, and are explained in further detail below. Some examples of RMA are inks, dyes, pigments, bleaching agents, chemically altering agents, and other substances that can alter the reflectance of human skin and other features. The terms “dye” and “transparent dyes” are used for brevity in this specification to represent any RMA.

Moreover, manual applications of cosmetics to areas of human skin containing human hairs are often difficult to accomplish easily, precisely, and effectively. For example, a foundation base may adhere to hairs as well as to the skin, giving the hairs an unattractively stiff or caked-on appearance. For this reason, people may shave their arms or legs before applying cosmetics there, which can be laborious and time consuming.

Electrostatic applicators that are currently used to apply electrostatically charged cosmetic offer significant advantages over manual application techniques. Among these advantages are a constant flow rate, easy and uniform application, and conservation of the cosmetics. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,903 for Gaw provides “an electrostatic spraying device which is designed to be portable, hand-held, self-contained and battery operated, with a disposable cartridge,” and which can be used to apply cosmetics.

In addition, an electrostatic charger can be used in combination with inkjet printing to apply RMAs more precisely than possible with other prior application techniques. For example, this combination can be used to reduce the application of RMAs to human hairs, as explained below, to improve cosmetic enhancements.

Therefore, there is a need to charge the RMAs electrostatically to further improve their precise application.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other needs are addressed by the present invention. The following explanation describes the present invention by way of example and not by way of limitation.

In this patent specification, the phrase “inkjet technology” refers generally to “drop control” technology, whereby each individual droplet of the substance being applied can be controlled by the applicator, as known to those skilled in the art. A particularly useful technique for the present invention is to employ “drop on demand” technology, a subset of drop control technology. In this specification, the phrase “inkjet printer” is used for brevity represent any form of inkjet technology.

It is an aspect of the present invention to charge RMAs electrostatically, so that tiny droplets of the RMAs with essentially negative charges are formed. Because human hairs act as insulators that does not typically conduct or have positive charges, the negatively charged droplets are not typically attracted to the hairs. Moreover, if the hairs do come into contact with the negatively charged droplets, the hairs may themselves then become negatively charges, so that they tend to repel further contact with the negatively charged droplets.

This and other aspects, features, and advantages are achieved according to the system and method of the present invention. In accordance with the present invention, a computer-controlled system determines attributes of a frexel, an area of human skin, and applies an electrostatically charged reflectance modifying agent (RMA) at the pixel level, to make the skin appear more attractive. The system scans the frexel, identifies unattractive attributes, charges the RMA with an electrostatic charger, and applies the RMA, typically with an inkjet printer. The identified attributes relate to reflectance and may refer to features such as irregular-looking light and dark spots, age-spots, scars, and bruises. Identified attributes may also relate to the surface topology of the skin, for more precisely enhancing surface irregularities. Feature mapping may be used, for example to make cheeks appear pinker and cheekbones more prominent. The charged RMA can be applied in agreement with identified patterns, such as adding red to a red frexel, or in opposition, such as adding green or blue to a red frexel, according to idealized models of attractiveness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following embodiment of the present invention is described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a representational diagram illustrating the effects of electrostatically charging RMAs;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an operating environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be employed for electrostatically applying RMAs onto skin;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an operating environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be employed for electrostatically applying RMAs onto skin through communications over a network;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an operating environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be employed for electrostatically applying RMAs onto skin through communications over a network and a portable application device;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an operating environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be employed through a self-contained portable application device for electrostatically applying inks onto skin;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an operating environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be employed for electrostatically applying RMAs onto skin through communications over a network and a portable application device with a curved surface;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of an embodiment of the elements of an electrostatic charger in relation to the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the application of electrostatically charged RMAs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Applying reflectance modifying agents electrostatically to improve the visual attractiveness of human skin

The present invention comprises the application or one or more electrostatically charged reflectance modifying agents (RMAs) through a computer-controlled system and method that scans an area of human skin, identifies unattractive attributes, and applies the RMA, typically with an inkjet printer, to improve the appearance of that area of skin.

U.S. application Ser. No. 11/503,806 filed Aug. 14, 2006 by the present applicants claims the computer-controlled system and method that scans an area of human skin, identifies unattractive attributes, and applies the RMA, typically with an inkjet printer to improve the appearance of that area of skin.

The Application of Electrostatically Charged RMAs

FIG. 1 illustrates the effects of electrostatically charging the RMAs 264. In an embodiment, an electrostatic charger 700 is used to charge the RMAs 264, as explained below, for application to an area of skin 302. The RMAs 264 are emitted as tiny droplets, represented by droplet 702. Typically each droplet 702 has a negative charge, as the result of the electrostatic charging. The area of skin 302 typically has a positive charge. Therefore, the negatively charged droplet 702 is attracted to the positively charged area of skin 302, so that the droplet 702 tends to move in a straight line 704 to the area of skin 302.

A hair 304 on the area of skin 302 typically will act as an insulator that does not conduct or have positive charge. Therefore, the hair 304 will not attract the negatively charged droplet 702 and pull it in another direction 706 so that it will adhere to the hair 304.

Moreover, if the hair 304 does come into contact with the negatively charged droplet 702, the hair 304 may then become negatively charged, so that it tends to repel subsequent contact with other droplets.

The benefit of this process is that it increases the precision of the inkjet application of RMAs 264 to desired locations, such as an age spot 708, on an area of skin 302. The RMAs 264 can be inkjet printed through hair without adhering to the hair or being pulled toward them.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the application system 200, explained with reference to FIG. 1 in the cross-referenced application US 11/503,806, comprising an electrostatic charger 700.

Operating Environment for Cosmetics

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the application system 200, comprising an electrostatic charger 700. In this embodiment, the application system 200 is used to apply RMAs 264 to an area of skin 302. A party sets up an application system 200 comprising the following elements, which are explained in more detail below:

-   -   a computing environment 100—for example a personal computer,         server, or portable computing device;     -   a scanner 220—which electronically scans data about attributes         of an area of skin 302; and     -   a means of application 240—for example a printer—which can be         used to apply RMAs 264, such as ink.

The computing environment 200 further comprises

-   -   an application algorithm 230;     -   storage 250—which may be may be non-volatile data storage;     -   an application map 232—which is created by application algorithm         230 to provide instructions for applications onto an area of         skin 302;     -   a printable enhancement image 234—which is the set of         instructions for applications onto an area of skin 302.

Loosely Coupled Systems

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an operating environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be employed for electrostatically applying RMAs onto skin through communications over a network, by means of an electrostatic charger 700. In this embodiment, the elements of the application system 200 may comprise discrete units and be connected through links 142 and 144, which may comprise internal connections. For example, FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of loosely connected elements for applications onto an area of skin 302. A scanner 220, printer 241, and computing environment 100 communicate over a network 130 and links 142, 144, and 146. The network 130 may comprise the Internet, a private LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless network, a TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) network, or other communications system, and may comprise multiple elements such as gateways, routers, and switches. The links 142, 144, and 146 are compatible with the technology used for network 130.

A features library 274 may be used to store the characteristics of human features, for example the eye, nose, and mouth, for use by pattern recognition. The features library 274 may also be used to store idealized pattern for human features that may be used to make actual features appear more attractive. For example, an idealized pattern for human lips may be used to make actual lips appear fuller as well as redder. For the application map 232 shown in FIG. 2, a 2-D surface map 233, shown in FIG. 3, is used The 2-D surface map typically includes a representation of depth in order to capture the shape of the face.

In addition, registration means 270, mechanical or electronic, are used for tracking the location of the scanner 220 and printer 241 relative to the area of skin 30

Combined Scanner and Printer Connected with Computer

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an operating environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be employed for electrostatically applying RMAs onto skin through communications over a network and a portable application device, by means of an electrostatic charger 700. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment where an application device 246 comprises a scanner 220 and an inkjet printer 242 to apply RMAs 264 from a reservoir 262 to the area of skin 302. The application device 246 also communicates over a network 130.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an operating environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be employed for applying RMAs onto skin through communications over a network and a blotter application device, by means of an electrostatic charger 700.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an operating environment in which embodiments of the present invention may be employed for electrostatically applying RMAs onto skin through communications over a network and a portable application device with a curved surface, by means of an electrostatic charger 700.

The configuration and operation of electrostatic chargers is known to those skilled in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,903, cited above, explains in detail a useful embodiment of an electrostatic charger.

The general method of applying electrostatically charged substances, such as traditional cosmetics, is known to those skilled in the art, as described above with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,903 for Gaw. FIG. 7 provides a useful overview of an embodiment of the elements of an electrostatic charger in relation to the present invention. In this embodiment, the application device 246 represents a self-contained, hand-held unit. It comprises the following elements that have been explained in the cross-referenced application U.S. Ser. No. 11/503,806:

-   -   A scanner 220;     -   An injet printer 242, further comprising         -   A printer head 244,         -   A reservoir 262, and         -   RMAs 264; and     -   Registration means 270, which may be in a computer2 102.

In addition, the application device 246 further comprises an electrostatic charger 700. The electrostatic charger 700 comprises

-   -   A computer3 103, with drive circuitry that controls timing and         driving for the electronic charger 700, printer head 244,         scanner 220, and inkjet printer 242.     -   A power supply 712—for example a battery system, transformer         with two coils, or power cord,     -   An electrode 710—to accomplish the electrostatic charging;     -   A grounding means 716—to permit an electrical flow. For example,         a wire 164 to the outer case of the application device 246 or to         a PC.     -   Insulation 714, for example Mylar plastic, in the outer case of         the application device 246 (not shown) protects the user from         receiving electrical shocks, so that the electrostatic charger         may be charged, for example to ten kilovolts in an embodiment.     -   An optical fiber 160 or other means of providing data and power         to the insulated electrostatic charger 700.     -   In an embodiment, a wire 162 may be used to connect the         application device 246 to a remote computing environment 100 for         data communications. In another embodiment, data communications         between the application device 246 and a remote computing         environment 100 may be accomplished with wireless technology         that is known or not yet known.

FIG. 8 illustrates a general process for applying electrostatically charged RMAs, in an embodiment, with relation to steps described for FIG. 32 in the cross-referenced application U.S. Ser. No. 11/503,806. After the printable enhancement image 234 is sent to the application device 246 in Step 6060, the electrostatic charger 700 is used to charge the RMAs 264 in Step 6062. An inkjet printer 242 is then used to apply the charged RMAs 264 to print the printable enhancement image 234 in Step 6070.

In an embodiment, the electrostatic charger 700 charges not only the RMAs 264, but also one or more printer heads 244, shown in FIG. 7 in the cross-referenced application U.S. Ser. No. 11/503,806, and one or more ink cartridges, represented by reservoir 262, as well as drivers and other associated equipment known to those skilled in the art. For example, these elements may be charges at over two kilovolts, and the charge may be held subsequently at 5000 volts.

In an embodiment, experiments and computer calculations may be used to determine optimum configurations for locating multiple nozzles on the application device 246 to apply the electrostatically charged RMAs 264. This can be used to reduce the effects of multiple negatively charged droplets repelling each other and thus distorting their trajectories. For example, each nozzle may be fired individually at different distances from a target, and the results can be tracked. The nozzles can then be fired simultaneously at those different distances, and these results can be tracked. Computer calculations can then compare the tracked results to determine the optimum configuration for the locations of the nozzles.

In addition, this process may be usefully applied to other substances besides RMAs, for example to paints for precision painting and to medical substances for their more precise application. 

1. A apparatus to improve the visual attractiveness of a region human skin, the apparatus comprising a housing; at least one light source, such that the light source may be turned on and off; at least one image receiving element; and at least one reflectance modifying agent application element, such that the reflectance modifying agent application element selectively applies an electrostatically charged reflectance modifying agent to specific frexels according to the reflective properties of the frexels.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reflectance modifying agent application element further comprises an electrostatic charger comprising a power supply, an electrode, and a grounding means.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reflectance modifying agent application element further comprises a drop control device.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the drop control device further comprises at least one inkjet print head.
 5. A method to improve the visual attractiveness of a region human skin, the method comprising providing at least one reflectance modifying agent; allocating the region of skin into a plurality of frexels; measuring the reflective properties of each of the plurality of frexels; determining, from the reflective properties of each of the plurality of frexels, a correction plan comprising the desired amount of the reflectance modifying agent to apply to specific frexels; and executing the correction plan, wherein executing the correction plan comprises directing a scanner and printer unit over the region of skin; using the scanner to determine location; determining, from the location, a desired correction; and applying at least a portion of an electrostatically charged correction to the skin.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein executing the correction plan further comprises applying at least a portion of an electrostatically charged correction to the skin in agreement with reflective properties of each of the plurality of frexels.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein executing the correction plan further comprises applying at least a portion of an electrostatically charged correction to the skin in opposition to reflective properties of each of the plurality of frexels. 